It's easy to get blinded by his bling. His personality is over the top, too, but that comes as a package of being brand Mika. However, when you put all of that aside, you see a man, who is honest about his beginnings, realistic about his music, his success and limitations. In this candid interview, Mika talks to us about his contemporaries, controversies and criticism...

You have mentioned in your earlier interviews that you don't like award functions. Why?
I like performing at awards rather than collecting them. I think they slow me down. The real evaluation of your work is when learned people appreciate it. Awards are meant to encourage strugglers, whereas I made a name for myself in pop music before I came to Bollywood. So, I can't say I have ever struggled. At this stage of my career, awards don't matter much.

What gives you a bigger high - performing on stage or recording songs in studios?
I would perform a medley of songs, which was initially looked down upon. The idea was to make people dance. If other singers have given hummable numbers, I have made India dance and I take pride in that fact. Singers are often cagey about attempting their contemporaries' songs, but I have no qualms in doing so. The idea is that the show should be a hit and not the singer. I don't restrict myself to a certain set of tracks. Instead, I gauge the audiences' mood and sing accordingly.

Did your brother Daler Mehndi's popularity help you get a break?
Daler paaji was already successful when my first song Saawan Mein Lag Gayi Aag released. Only those close to us knew that we were brothers as we didn't flaunt the connection. Forget me, it was difficult for any singer to compete with him. Besides, he never favoured me just because I was his brother. In fact, he told me I had to make it on my own. My voice wasn't that great at that time, I have honed it over the years. If I sang like Daler paaji, it wouldn't have worked.

How much has he contributed to your journey?
I worked with him for eight years as a back-up vocalist and guitarist in his band. I also learnt the nuances of stage performance from him. A good live performer lasts longer than his contemporaries. I wanted to be a music director, but then I started getting offers for shows. I spent five years to polish up and be presentable on stage. We have really worked hard on our way up. I don't have the talent or time to compose an entire album for a movie. Music is difficult and I know my limitations.

What has been the biggest learning from Daler Mehndi?
He would tell me to touch everyone's feet, which annoyed me. He believes that we should respect the one who has been blessed with name and fame. Daler paaji always says that an artiste should not have an ego. Unlike other singers who think that they can bring about a revolution, I believe that I can't change anything else, but myself. Pehle khud ki uljhan suljha lo.

Was your nasal singing a deterrent initially?
My song Saawan Mein... got a mixed reaction, but it did make a mark. Himesh Reshammiya was already a hit in the industry. Naak se gaa gaa kar usne sabki naak mein dam kar diya tha. Around that time, I sang my composition Ae Ganpat (Shootout at Lokhandwala). Fortunately, I didn't have to sing it, but just mouth dialogues. One shouldn't break away completely from one's style in an attempt to try something new or the listeners won't relate to you. I have limited songs, but I know how to make them a hit.

Have controversies also helped brand Mika?
Singers create controversies, but people don't pay heed. Main paani bhi peeta hoon uspe controversy ho jaati hai. They think it's alcohol. People still associate me with that one incident that happened in 2006 (the Rakhi Sawant kiss controversy).

What is your opinion about our new-age singers?
I feel sad and agitated because some really good singers did not cash in on the success of their songs. We work here to make money for our families, so one should make hay while the sun shines. It's an opportune time for newcomers as you can do a lot in Bollywood today. All I would say is that soch ko oonchi rakho and ego ko neeche.

Today, songs don't become evergreen like those from the golden era...
Now, singers try to perfect the song so much that in the process, they lose the essence, which is why it fails to strike a chord. It's the imperfection that grows on people. Common people can't sing a perfect song, they get hooked to easy songs. Besides, singers were revered by the actors in the past. That's not the case any more. Today, if one singer is upset, they approach others. Singers aren't respected anymore.